1. What is PPIP?
2. What is a PPIP Paris internship?
3. Why should I do an internship in Paris, France?
4. Who is eligible for a PPIP Paris internship?
5. What types of internships are available through PPIP Paris?
6. When is the best time to do an internship in Paris?
7. Where will I live in Paris?
8. Do I have to be interested in politics to participate?
9. Do I get paid during the internship?
10. What is the application/selection process for PPIP Paris?
11. What must I do to receive academic credit for a PPIP Paris internship?
12. Is PPIP Paris for undergraduates only?
13. Where do I submit my application?
14. Who should write my letters of recommendation?
15. When are applications for PPIP in Paris due?
16. What if I’m graduating? Is it too late to apply for PPIP?
17. What should be the topic of my essay?
18. Are my travel expenses paid to Paris, France?
19. What are my chances of being selected for PPIP in Paris?
The Public Policy Internship Program is an academic program designed to give students from all majors the opportunity to work full-time in a policy related internship for a full semester. PPIP interns gain practical work experience, learn how policy impacts the world, and gain valuable insight into their professional future.
2. What is a PPIP Paris internship?
A PPIP Paris internship is a truly unique experience. You work full-time for the U.S. Commercial Service in Paris, France for a semester, and at the same time receive course credit.
3. Why should I do an internship in Paris, France?
Internships are a great way to make you stand out in today’s competitive job market. A PPIP Paris internship will set you even further apart from your peers by giving you the chance to:
- Gain cross cultural experience in and outside of an office setting.
- Polish your foreign language skills.
- Learn about foreign relations and international trade.
- Understand the policy making process and how it can be applied to any field.
- Develop transferable skills to enhance your résumé.
- Create a network of job contacts for future employment opportunities and references.
- Complete professional work experience.
4. Who is eligible for a PPIP Paris internship?
Students (both graduate and undergraduate) from all majors who are U.S. citizens and who meet the eligibility requirements may apply. PPIP Paris eligibility requirements may be found here.
5. What types of internships are available through PPIP Paris?
Students work for the U.S. Commercial Service in its Paris, France office.
6. When is the best time to do an internship in Paris?
Paris internships are offered each fall, spring, and summer. Therefore, you should meet with your advisor and plan ahead for which semester would be best to spend in Paris. Remember, graduating seniors are also allowed to intern the long semester after they graduate! (Graduating seniors should contact the PPIP staff for more information.)
7. Where will I live in Paris?
Unfortunately the Public Policy Internship Program cannot provide housing for its Paris interns. We will do our best, however, to help you locate housing in Paris and will work with you to find reasonable accommodations.
8. Do I have to be interested in politics to participate?
No. This is a common and misled assumption about the Public Policy Internship Program. This opportunity is not directed solely at students interested in a career in politics. Anyone who has an interest in defining their career goals, building a strong network, learning about how our country functions, and making a difference should apply.
9. Do I get paid during the internship?
No, but PPIP will provide a housing stipend to help cover your housing expenses.
10. What is the application/selection process for PPIP Paris?
The PPIP Paris application and selection process is challenging, but rewarding. Students fill out an application as well as submit a cover letter, résumé, a statement in French, and an essay on a policy issue that affects U.S./French relations. After submitting the application packet, applicants undergo an interview with a panel of faculty and staff. Once accepted to PPIP, students must apply for the U.S. Commercial Service’s internship. For more information about the application/selection process, click here.
11. What must I do to receive academic credit for a PPIP Paris internship?
Upon acceptance into the program and to the U.S. Commercial Service internship, you will be registered in the one hour PPIP course. The course credit requires the completion of various assignments, which include weekly journals, a final paper, an internship learning agreement, and midterm and final evaluations completed by your supervisor. You may also register for additional credit (484, 485, or 494) or independent-study credit (485) through your academic advisor. However, it is best to enroll for only 1-6 total hours because you will be working full-time.
12. Is PPIP Paris for undergraduates only?
No! PPIP welcomes graduate students, both master’s and Ph.D., to participate! However, graduate students are accepted on a limited basis.
13. Where do I submit my application?
Applications should be printed and submitted in person to the PPIP office, which is located on campus in room 515 of the Agriculture Headquarters Building, 600 John Kimbrough Boulevard.
14. Who should write my letters of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation should come from a credible source, such as a current or former supervisor or a university professor. Your letters should be written by someone who knows you well and is familiar with your professional skills or academic background. Using letters from a family member, personal friend, or sources from high school are discouraged.
15. When are applications for PPIP in Paris due?
Exact application due dates are set on a semester-by-semester basis. Students apply for the summer and fall semesters during the prior spring semester, and students apply for the spring semester during the prior fall semester. For example, a student interested in a fall 2011 internship would apply and interview during the spring of 2011. Check the website at the beginning of the appropriate semester for exact application due dates.
16. What if I’m graduating? Is it too late to apply for PPIP?
No! Seniors can intern the long semester after they graduate. For example, May graduates can intern the following summer or fall, December graduates can intern the following spring, and August graduates can intern the following fall. Graduating seniors should contact the PPIP staff for more information.
17. What should be the topic of my essay?
It is recommended that you choose a policy research topic that interests you. The essay is usually discussed extensively during the interviews, so you should be comfortable with, and interested in, your chosen topic when interviewing with the selection committee.
18. Are my travel expenses paid to Paris, France?
No. Students are responsible for getting to and from Paris, France.
19. What are my chances of being selected for PPIP in Paris?
The answer depends on various factors such as the number and quality of applicants during a particular semester. You should not get discouraged if you are not selected for a PPIP internship on your first attempt. If you are not selected, it is strongly recommended that you meet with program staff to see where you might need improvement and apply again! Chances of getting selected on a second try typically increase for most students.